Should We Be Worried About Chris Kreider?

Last season, Chris Kreider was the player that fans had been dreaming of since he joined the team back in 2012. Everyone knew he had elite goal-scoring potential, but he was never able to hit over thirty goals. His fifty-two goals shocked everyone and going into this season, exceptions were high for Kreider. Eight games in, this season has been nothing but a disappointment for Kreider.

Kreider has scored only two goals and has a total of four points in eight games. Both of his goals came in the same game, a 7-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild which was the Rangers’ second game of the year. Since that game, Kreider has not looked like the same player from last season.

He is missing chances, hitting posts, and not getting the same deflections he was getting last season. The power-play also not having much luck so far has also taken a toll on his play as that is where he created most of his chances. While much of this is due to Kreider having no puck luck so far this year, his play away from the puck has not looked much better.

He looks disinterested in his play and does not seem to have that same fire to start the year. His linemate, Mika Zibanejad has also had a weird start to the year. While Zibanejad has eight points in eight games, his four goals came over a three-game span. Both players have amazing chemistry but have not been able to click so far this season.

So is it truly time to panic? I would say no as it is still very early on in the season and Kreider’s play could and will very likely have a massive turnaround sooner rather than later. His play is just something to keep an eye on as the next few weeks progress. If he is still struggling, this could become a very different conversation.